Behind every raid is a set of skills built through years of practice. Here are the key moves that every kabaddi fan should know.
Hand touch
The hand touch is the simplest and most common raiding skill. The raider reaches out with a hand and tags a defender, then races back. It sounds easy, but it takes speed and nerve, because the raider has to get within reach of the defenders and out again.
Toe touch
In a toe touch, the raider stretches out a foot and touches a defender with their toes. It lets the raider score from further away, and it is a favourite of agile players who can balance and spring back quickly.
Dubki
The dubki is a famous move in which the raider ducks low to escape from a defender’s grasp. When defenders try to catch the raider by the upper body, the raider drops under their arms, slides away and gets back to safety. A skilled dubki looks like a magician’s trick.
Back kick and side kick
Some raiders use their legs to touch defenders while moving away. A back kick, sent behind the raider as they retreat, can tag a defender who has come too close. A side kick uses the foot to score at an angle. These moves are powerful and take years to master.
The bonus
Raiders can also score a bonus point by crossing the bonus line with a foot while the defence has enough players on the mat. It takes precise footwork and a sense of timing.
Defensive skills
On defence, key skills include the ankle hold, where a defender grabs the raider’s ankle and pulls them down, and the thigh hold, which stops the raider from moving. A block is used to stop a raider’s escape route. The chain tackle sees defenders link hands to form a wall, and trap the raider.
Dash
A dash is a defensive move in which a defender pushes the raider out of bounds or forces them off balance. It is physical and requires good timing.
Building the skills
These skills are built through training and repetition. Players work on flexibility, speed, strength and reflexes. Many practise yoga and agility drills to improve balance and control.
Why it matters
Understanding the skills makes the game richer to watch. When you see a raider spring out of a chain or a defender hold on to an ankle, you will know what you are looking at, and you will appreciate the skill behind it.